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If you want to experiment with body art without permanently altering your skin, a temporary tattoo is the way to go. You can make your own temporary tattoo with just a few household supplies and items from the craft store. Learn three techniques for making temporary tattoos: using an eyeliner pencil, using a stencil, and printing one on paper.

Steps

Method1

Creating an Eyeliner Tattoo

1

Design the tattoo. To make a great tattoo, put some thought into its design before you apply it to your skin. Use a regular pencil and paper to sketch out some ideas, keeping the following pointers in mind:

Your eyeliner tattoo will look best with bold, simple strokes. Finer lines and more complicated designs could be more likely to smudge and become unrecognizable. Stick with clear shapes.

Decide how large you want it to be. A bigger tattoo may be more likely to appear to be hand drawn, whereas a smaller tattoo may look more "authentic." Design your tattoo according to the effect you want to achieve.

2

Pick out eyeliner. Go to the drugstore and buy a simple eyeliner pencil, the type that needs to be sharpened. Pick one that isn't meant to be shiny or oily; a pencil that makes smooth, dry marks will make a longer-lasting smudge-free tattoo.

Jet black eyeliner makes for a striking temporary tattoo, but there's no reason not to choose more than one color. Try emerald, purple, and sapphire to create your design or add a small accent.

Avoid liquid eyeliner. It's more difficult to keep this type of eyeliner in place on parts of your body other than your eyelids.[1]

Practice drawing your design with your chosen eyeliner pencils on paper. Get used to the pressure you need to exert to create smooth strokes.

3

Draw the design on your skin with the eyeliner pencil. Take your time and make sure the design is applied exactly how you want it to look. If you don't like it, you can wash it off and start over.

You can draw your tattoo on any part of your body, but areas without a lot of hair might be easier to work with. Make sure the skin is clean and dry when you draw your design.

Use a cotton swab to blend colors and create shading.

4

Spray the design with hairspray.[2] The same chemicals that help hold your hair in place act as a sealant for the tattoo to keep it from coming off for a few hours. There's no need to completely soak it; just give the area a light application. You can also use a clear nail polish/topcoat instead of hairspray. The clear nail polish/topcoat can be matte or glossy; it is up to you.

5

Wash it off. This tattoo will last about a day before it begins to smudge. It washes off easily with warm, soapy water. You may want to remove it before going to bed to avoid getting eyeliner on your sheets. If you're using clear nail polish instead of hairspray, you can peel it off or remove it with nail polish remover.

Method2

Creating a Stencil Tattoo

1

Make a stencil. You can create professional-looking temporary tattoos by making a stencil, which helps you control the tattoo design rather than relying on your drawing skills to do the job. Decide what shape you want your tattoo to be, draw it on an index card, and cut out the shape using a cutting knife or a pair of small scissors.

Simple, bold shapes are the easiest ones to create with this method. Try diamonds, circles, and other geometric shapes.

For a more detailed tattoo, you can create a stencil based on an existing image. Check out How to Make a Graffiti Stencil for more information on this method.

2

Buy permanent markers. Choose one or more marker colors to use with your stencil. Black is a classic option, and may be the most likely to help your tattoo pass as a real one. Using another color can be just as fun.

Permanent markers contain chemicals that aren't meant to be used on skin. Look for markers that are labeled as safe for this type of use.[3]

If you'd rather not use permanent markers, washable markers are also fine. The tattoo just won't last quite as long.

Another good ink choice is stamping ink, which comes on wet stamping pads. To use this type of ink for your tattoo, press a cotton ball onto the ink pad and use it to wipe the ink over the stencil and onto your skin.

3

Apply the tattoo. Place the stencil against the part of your body where you want the tattoo to be. Use one hand to hold it firmly against the skin, so that the cut out shapes are lying flat. Use the other hand to color in the shapes with the markers you chose. When you're finished, lift the stencil away and allow the marker ink to dry.

Make sure you apply the tattoo to clean, dry skin. Shave the hair in the area for a more even application.

If you have trouble holding the stencil in place, try using tape to affix it to the area. You could also try applying the tattoo to a part of your body with a flatter surface.

4

Remove the tattoo. When you're finished sporting your temporary tattoo, it can be washed off with warm, soapy water, or you dab a cotton pad in oil and 'scrub' your tattoo off.

Method3

Making a Paper Tattoo

1

Buy water slide paper. Have you ever bought a temporary tattoo from a quarter machine or the toy store? These temporary tattoos are printed onto water slide paper, a special paper lined with adhesive on one side. The tattoo design is printed with ink on the adhesive.

Water slide paper is available online or in craft stores.

2

Design the tattoo. The sky is the limit when you're using water slide paper; any shape, color or pattern will print beautifully onto the paper and show up clearly on your skin.[4] Use Photoshop or a similar computer program meant for creating images to come up with a tattoo design.

Decide whether you want the tattoo to be in black and white or color. If you have a color printer, your design can include as many colors as you want.

Choose colors that will show up well against your skin.

Keep in mind that when you apply the tattoo, the image will be reversed on your skin. That means that if your tattoo includes a word, it needs to be reversed in the design, or it will read backwards once you put it on.

3

Print the tattoo. Feed the water slide paper into the paper handler in your printer. Make sure the paper is placed correctly so that the image will be printed onto the adhesive, not the matte paper. Cut out the tattoo with a pair of scissors when you're finished.

4

Apply the tattoo. Place the tattoo ink-side down on your skin.[5] Cover it with a damp cloth or paper towel. Press down on the cloth or paper towel and hold it in place for 30 seconds, or until it becomes translucent. Remove the cloth or paper towel and peel back the paper. The dampening process causes the adhesive to "slide" from the paper to your skin.

5

Remove the tattoo. This type of tattoo may last a week or more before it starts to peel off. If you want to remove it before it comes off on its own, scrub it off with soapy water and a scrub brush.

Method4

Creating a Sharpie Tattoo

Draw the tattoo onto your body. Use whatever design you like and place it wherever you want, somewhere easily reachable.

3

Rub the tattoo with baby powder.

4

Apply the hairspray lightly onto the tattoo. Don't use too much, or your skin will feel extremely dry. If you spray too much by accident, get a cotton swab and dab the area around the tattoo with water.

There are "semi-permanent" inks that can be used to make a tattoo that lasts about a month, and it is possible to have this reapplied monthly for up to 6 months (it’s not recommended any more than that). It is more like a fruit stain than an ink and its longevity and suitability will vary from person to person. There are also inks that fade over time. Given the interest in temporary tattoos using inks, this area continues to grow and change, so it’s recommended you talk to your local tattoo artist to see what new options exist.

Yes, you certainly can make your own temporary tattoos. You can make them from pen or marker ink, from eyeliner or other types of makeup, from paper and stamps, from paint, from henna, from glitter, etc. And you can use stencils or shapes to help define the design you’d like. For instructions on using a few of these items to make temporary tattoos, follow the methods in the article above.

The length of time a temporary tattoo will last depends on what you’ve used to make the tattoo. Some marker tattoos can last up to a week, while some paper tattoos will wash off in the next shower. Henna tattoos can last up to 3 weeks. A rough estimate would be about anywhere between 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on what it was made from and how careful you’ve been not to wash or scrub it off.

Video.

By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.

The sting of a tattoo needle isn’t your only option for cool one-of-a-kind tattoos. Use your computer to create a masterpiece for your skin.

Tips

Wait for the hairspray to dry before touching the design.

Make sure you make the design before you draw it on your skin in case of a mistake.

Apply a layer or two of baby powder over the permanent marker and spray with hairspray to make the tattoo last longer.

No matter what technique you use, test all of the products on a small area of skin to make sure you're not allergic to the product.

If the sharpie bleeds when you first use hairspray, remove/neaten smudges by using nail polish remover and then use more baby powder before spraying again.

Make sure to use it on skin which does not have an open wound.

Cover the tattoo with liquid band aid as this lasts much longer than hairspray.

Sharpies have chemicals. If you are using it on a kid, use felt tip pens that on the back say "safe to use on skin".

If using a sharpie, draw a small line somewhere hidden on your skin to see if it reacts. If a reaction occurs, don't use a sharpie.

If you want a longer lasting tattoo, get a henna tattoo.

Make sure when spraying the hairspray, to add it lightly so it doesn't make your design(s) bleed.

If you use metallic markers instead of sharpies, it gives it a nice shine, although they sometimes irritate the skin so it is best to test it out on a small area of skin that is normally covered.

If you want it to look real, avoid using hair spray that will give off a shiny look. Stick with brands like TRESemme or AustralianWonder.

You can also use paint to make a temporary tattoo, as it's washable.

Never use henna on children. They could react very badly and be scarred for life.

Warnings

Be careful about using Sharpie. The type of chemicals in the markers are not meant to be used on skin, and they could have dangerous effects. Try to use another method if you can, and otherwise be sparing with the Sharpie.

One way to make a temporary tattoo is by using eyeliner to draw your custom design on your skin. Start by sketching your tattoo idea on paper, keeping in mind that eyeliner makes bold, simple lines. Then, pick out a pencil eyeliner in any color, and practice drawing the design on paper with the eyeliner. When you have a good idea of how to use the pencil, draw your design anywhere on your skin, and spray the area with hairspray to keep it from smudging. To remove the tattoo, simply wash the area with warm, soapy water! If you want to learn how to use a stencil or print on water slide paper, keep reading!

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This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Together, they cited information from 6 references. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article meets our high standards.

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Co-Authored By:

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Co-authors: 69

Updated: May 21, 2019

Views: 2,597,478

86% of readers found this article helpful.

159 votes - 86%

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86% of people told us that this article helped them.

TK

Twyla Kawaiaea

Apr 15

"I got to use the eyeliner method on my nieces and nephews when they came for a visit, and now I'm the "cool" aunt!"..." more

KF

Kiyah Faith

Oct 27, 2018

"I've always enjoyed drawing or writing quotes on myself. I really want a permanent tattoo, but I'm only 15, so was looking for ways to make a temporary one. I looked at a few ways to do it, then finally came across this one. It really helps. "..." more

A

Anonymous

Jul 14, 2017

"I have a tattoo on me now. I'm only younger than 18 so I'm not allowed to get a tattoo so this way it looks like I have one if I don't. Also, my dad likes it because it could wash of and it won't be there forever thanks!!!"..." more

JW

John White

Sep 11, 2018

"Much less painful than permanent tattooing, especially for areas of high sensitivity! Also, removable if you have a change of mind. I succeeded with the transfer paper copy of my own artwork and my color printer!"..." more

A

Anonymous

Mar 3, 2018

"I'm under 18, my mom will only let me have a tattoo when I'm 16. But I eagerly want one right now, so I decided to experiment. The best method for me was making the Sharpie tattoo, it looks so realistic and lit."..." more

TN

Tiago Nugent

Mar 8, 2016

"This helped me a lot with my idea for a Harry Potter scar tattoo. I didn't want to spend money on a temporary tattoo, and it happened that I had some eyeliner pencils lying around. This helped a lot! Thanks!"..." more

A

Asdaksh

Aug 25, 2016

"The fact that this actually gets us to know how a permanent one would've spiced up things is pretty cool. All mess, if any, would be short lived. Definitely gonna experiment with the last two!"..." more

JR

Jessica Rochon

Nov 15, 2016

"Worked great for me! Sharpie tattoo lasted almost three weeks. I don't recommend putting them too close to your hand, as they wash away quicker when you wash your hands."..." more

MM

Marguerite Markov

Dec 11, 2016

"I've been actually looking up on the Internet on how to have a temporary tattoo aside from the henna tattoo. I'm so thankful for this article. This helped a lot! "..." more

AN

Alisha Natice

Dec 25, 2016

"I am not quite ready for a real tattoo, but I wanted something for winter break. I wanted to find something, and I came across this and it works great."..." more

A

Anonymous

May 16, 2017

"I thought this was awesome, I showed it of to all my friends and they loved it. I told them where they could find this website to make their own."..." more

KM

Kathy Malone

Apr 13, 2016

"I loved the fact that I was able to do my tattoo very quickly with just talc and hairspray to set it. Brilliant idea, my friends love it, too!"..." more

CS

Cerys S.

Dec 24, 2016

"Biggest tip and most useful was the hairspray. I tried doing it without, and it comes off faster. Use hairspray, it does work."..." more

A

Anonymous

Aug 17, 2016

"I've always wanted to have a tattoo, and the Sharpie method is a method that I've wanted to use for quite some time."..." more

MP

Mat Porter

Jun 19, 2017

"I absolutely love the Sharpe baby powder and hair spray technique. It stayed for a little over a month for me."

A

Anonymous

Jun 12, 2017

"The guidelines were very clear on what to do. I had gone to another website before on this and had trouble."

A

Anonymous

Jun 19, 2017

"The article itself helped, but the people answering the questions helped also. Thank you to them. =)"

A

Anonymous

Jun 23, 2016

"My friends thought it was real, and it worked really well. And it didn't hurt. Thanks so much."

A

Anonymous

Mar 20, 2016

"I thought most people could do the Sharpie method, because it requires common household items."

M

Madisyn

Mar 2, 2017

"This was fun to do! Though it did take me 3 times to get the hairspray right, it worked well!"

KG

Kyrstin Gibson

Aug 3, 2016

"It works. My boyfriend and I made matching ones, they were infinity symbols with love."